AN ABERGAVENNY rugby player who died suddenly after playing in a match for his local team will be laid to rest next week.
Lewis Smith, 21, died on January 15 shortly after playing for Abergavenny RFC's 2nd XV, The Quins, in an away game at Gwernyfed RFC, near Brecon.
The exact circumstances surrounding the death of the former King Henry VIII School pupil are still unclear.
His funeral will take place at St Mary's Church in Abergavenny on Thursday at 12.30pm which will be followed by a burial service at Llanfoist Cemetery.
Players are asked to wear club polo shirts while committee members will wear club shirts and ties.
Tributes have been paid to Mr Smith on the club's website with condolences left by many rugby clubs in South Wales including Ebbw Vale RFC, Pontypool RFC and Monmouth RFC.
His own club, whom he had represented since the age of eight, described him as a "powerhouse" in the second row.
A club statement said: "We are grieving at the sudden loss of a fine young man who was devoted to the club."
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